[Visual History of Korea] Stiff competition in Korea to be man‘s best friend

Korea has designated three native dog breeds as Natural Monuments, with two more breeds preparing for future designations for protection. Jindo (Natural Monument No. 53), Sapsaree (Natural Monument No. 368) and Donggyeongyi (Natural Monument No. 540) are protected under the law and by the respective local governments provide ensure the preservation of Korea’s native dog breeds. One of the earliest evidence of dogs in Korea is a prehistoric rock carving showing a dog, along with wild ani

Dec. 11, 2021

Daebang Construction asked to tear down top parts of apartments near UNESCO-listed royal tomb in Gimpo

The Cultural Heritage Administration on Thursday withheld its final review decision on Daebang Construction’s plan to resolve the controversy surrounding apartments near the UNESCO-listed royal tomb Jangneung in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. This controversy started after the agency found out in May that three construction companies -- Daebang Construction, Daekwang Construction and Kumsung BaekJoe Construction -- were building high-rise apartment complexes near the tomb in Geomdan, a new to

Dec. 10, 2021

Kim Su-jin, Na Young-seok, Kim Jun-koo, Loopy bag trophies at 2021 Korea Content Awards

Korean content creators including TV director Na Young-seok, Naver Webtoon CEO Kim Jun-koo, production company Bidangil Pictures CEO Kim Su-jin and animation characters Loopy and Pinkfong were winners at the Korea Contents Awards on Wednesday. The 13th edition of the annual awards, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency, recognizes contributions to developing and promoting Korean contents. A total of 50 individuals across seven categor

Dec. 8, 2021

[Newsmaker]Peter Chung Soon-taick becomes new Catholic archbishop of Seoul

Peter Chung Soon-taick was officially installed as Seoul’s new Roman Catholic archbishop after an inaugural Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul on Wednesday. The last inaugural Mass was held nine years ago, in 2012, when Bishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung became the 13th archbishop of Seoul after the late Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk retired from the post. In February 2014, Yeom was appointed as a cardinal and became South Korea’s third. In October, Pope Francis appointed Ch

Dec. 8, 2021

30 years of restoration, history of Gyeongbokgung Palace in full view

To mark the 30th anniversary of the excavation and restoration carried out at Gyeongbokgung, the National Palace Museum of Korea located within the palace grounds is presenting a special exhibition, “Glory of the Royal Palace.” The exhibition that aims to look back on the history of the Joseon era’s primary palace is grouped under the theme of the four seasons. Each theme features one of the four buildings of the palace complex: Heungbokjeon Hall, the Sojubang kitchen site, t

Dec. 7, 2021

[Visual History of Korea] Ondol: Original Korean floor heating system

One of the most efficient uses of energy to heat our homes is right under our feet. Koreans have been staying warm for millennia by using a minimum amount of fuel to cook while warming the home at the same time. The “ondol,” an elevated indoor floor, is heated when fire used for cooking is simultaneously repurposed for heating the house. Thermal energy from fuel burned for cooking or warming the room is transferred upward as the heat rises from the underfloor, warming up the sto

Dec. 4, 2021

[Weekender] The collaboration 'X' factor: When consumption meets cultural code

Looking back on what we have consumed over the year could be one way to wrap up the year 2021, while preparing to make better choices in the new year. Whether an impulsive purchase or a considered decision, consumption patterns show what we desire and what cultural codes and trends are leading the society today. The pandemic challenges the once taken-for-granted in-person connections and communications. But this year also saw active communication between the market and businesses, leading to s

Dec. 4, 2021

[Well-curated] Hot and cold: Indoor botanical garden for a preview of spring and festive lanters on Cheonggye stream

If you want to take a break from urban life, Seoul Botanic Park at Gangseo-gu, western Seoul, offers an emotional refuge with plants from 12 cities around the world and Korean gardens. From plant-loving visitors to gardening experts, programs are on offer for the public to enjoy education, experience, culture and art related to plants. The botanic garden is an area within the Seoul Botanic Park, consisting of outdoor theme gardens, greenhouse and Magok cultural hall. Though it is the winter c

Dec. 4, 2021

Friend for hire

“You look stunning! Your dress looks so much prettier than the pictures you showed me,” I told the glowing bride as I walked into a wedding chapel waiting room covered in white flowers. “The other girls are on their way.” She smiled, thanked me for being there and gave me a hug which was surprisingly natural given that it was the first time we had met.  At 15,000 won ($12.60) for an hour and a half, I was hired to be her friend for her wedding day. My first job as

Dec. 2, 2021

Murals take shots at presidential candidates in ‘Art Battle’

The wall of a secondhand bookstore that enjoyed brief media attention in July for its politically provocative murals has generated yet more controversy this week, when a new painting by the artist Tanksy appeared, depicting the various scandals of the Democratic Party of Korea’s presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung. In what has been described by organizers as an “art battle,” Tanksy’s participation lifted a wooden panel covering a mural by graffiti artist Ninbolt, whic

Dec. 2, 2021

Youn Yuh-jung, BTS and aespa named visionaries of Korean entertainment

South Korean cultural icons including Oscar-winning actor Youn Yuh-jung, top comedian Yoo Jae-suk and K-pop bands BTS and aespa were among the six winners recognized at the 2021 Visionary Awards on Wednesday. The second edition of the annual awards, presented by South Korean media and entertainment giant CJ ENM, recognizes individuals who created new trends in the entertainment business and contributed to the spread of Korean Wave. The six winners -- Youn, Yoo, BTS, aespa, “Squid Game&r

Dec. 2, 2021

Buddhist sect threatens legal action against Culture Ministry’s carol campaign

A campaign to promote carols in the holiday season launched jointly by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and major Protestant and Catholic organizations was met by strong opposition from the country’s largest Buddhist sect on Wednesday, which said it could take legal action to stop it. The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism on Wednesday told The Korea Herald that it is “deeply shocked” by the campaign to promote carols by the government and public organizations and is

Dec. 1, 2021

[Video] When foreigners and Koreans try Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi & Heinz vs. Ottogi ketchup blindfolded

By Team Konnect Kim Min-jung (minjung.kim@heraldcorp.com) Jung Ji-eun (jungje@heraldcorp.com) Choi Jeong-yoon (jychoi@heraldcorp.com) Kim Jeong-ryul (ryul@heraldcorp.com) Special thanks to Jordan, Jean, Michelle and Hyunbin for making this video happen.

Nov. 30, 2021

[Video] Foreigners and Koreans blind taste test popular food in Korea

Without this experience, the team would never have thought about the similarities between marshmallow and rice cake, donut and Yakgwa (Korean honey snack), and the biases we have about  food. This was so much fun to make! 00:03 Dalgona 01:26 Wasabi 02:30 Injeolmi 03:14 Fruit Jelly 03:54 Tofu 04:42 Yakgwa (Korean Honey Snack) 05:56 Chicken-mu (Pickled Radish) 07:15 Dried Squid 08:23 Fish Cake 09:06 Review Special thanks to Michelle, Jean, Joanna, Jordan and Hyunbin for making it happen. B

Nov. 30, 2021

[Visual History of Korea] Young Buddha’s smile at the moment of enlightenment

For the past 100 years, researchers have been speculating on the meaning of the smile on National Treasure No. 83, the Gilt-bronze Maitreya in Meditation, a statue of what is believed to be the future Buddha, known as “Mireuk” in Korean. The gilt-bronze statue of a young future Buddha in a contemplative state is considered the epitome of Buddhist artwork. The beauty, the gentleness and the peaceful smile of the gilt-bronze Maitreya in Mediation, known as the Bangasayusang Mireuk st

Nov. 27, 2021

Asia Culture Center aims to become a familiar face to local population after revamping

The Asia Culture Center, located in the old center of Gwangju, has developed a reputation as having a strength in experimental arts, but it aims to become a more familiar face to the local population and everyday visitors after a reorganization, the acting chairman of the center said Wednesday. Having opened six years ago this month, the multicultural complex has attracted 11.26 million visitors during its short lifespan despite spending two years of its short lifespan dealing with the COVID-1

Nov. 27, 2021

[Eye Plus] Banpo Hangang Park brings colors to city at night

Hangang Park is a crucial part of the recreational life of many of us living in Seoul, offering rare public open space for joggers, cyclists and couples on dates. When the sun goes down and evening approaches, the Banpo part of the park lights up in vivid colors that cast shimmering reflections on the Han River. Located at Banpo-dong in Seocho district, Banpo Hangang Park boasts three buildings that radiates in changing colors. Known together as “sebit,” which literally translates t

Nov. 27, 2021

[Visual History of Korea] Divine bell Emile Jong resonates in the hearts and souls of Koreans for 1,250 years

During the golden days of Silla Kingdom in the eighth century following the unification of the Korean kingdoms, the national religion Buddhism took Silla to a whole new height. Peace and prosperity were expressed in the creation of the finest Silla Buddhist treasures, some of which have survived centuries of tumultuous history. A trifecta of Buddhist treasures -- Buddha’s home, body and voice -- were completed in 771, when the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok the Great was successfully cast

Nov. 20, 2021

[Video] Dos and Don'ts Before Exams Around the World

  November 18th was a big day in South Korea as ‘Suneung’ took place, a national college entrance exam that is held once a year. Airplanes stop, stock markets open an hour later and police stand-ready to take students who can’t make it to the test site on time. Because it’s considered a life-changing test, there are many superstitions one must do and don’t do before taking the test! Team Konnect went out on the streets of Seoul to find out what they are and how

Nov. 19, 2021

G-Star is back in Busan

BUSAN -- South Korea’s largest gaming convention, G-Star kicked off in Busan Wednesday, showcasing the latest games and technologies by major game-related firms from both home and abroad. Arguably the biggest exhibition held since the “living with COVID-19” scheme took effect earlier this month, G-Star put in its utmost effort to be an example of a successful offline event. G-Star 2021 is a hybrid online-offline event with the participation of leading gaming and tech firms

Nov. 18, 2021